HC Deb 04 December 1945 vol 416 cc2263-4W
Mr. G. Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for War which areas in Wales it has been decided to devote to purposes of military exercise and training; which areas in Wales are under consideration for such purposes; and the approximate acreage involved in each case.

Mr. Lawson

As I have previously explained to hon. Members, the requirements of land for the postwar period are now under consideration generally, and I cannot say as to any particular area until I have surveyed the whole position, not only in Wales, in the light of more definite information about our total needs. In the meantime, land is not being retained unnecessarily. When it ceases to be needed for current use it is released.

Mr. G. Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the losses and inconvenience caused to agriculture in the Penmaenmawr-Capel Curig-Bangor area of Snowdonia, Caernarvonshire, through the continued training activities of the O.C.T.U. stationed in the area; and if he will order the immediate discontinuance of these activities.

Mr. Lawson

The area is used under conditions which do not displace the occupiers and machinery exists for dealing with losses due to military use. The difficulties caused to agriculture have been fully discussed with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and I believe they are being satisfactorily dealt with. O.C.T.Us, must have facilities for field firing if training is to be carried out properly, but the amount of land used will be reduced as soon as current needs become less. I hope that some of it will be released in the near future.

Lieut.-Colonel Price-White

asked the Secretary of State for War if he 12 now in a position to give a date for the closing down of his Department's schools operating in Caernarvonshire as was requested in a letter to him, dated 20th November last, from a number of farmers of this county whose farming activities are limited by the continuance of such battle schools.

Mr. Lawson

No, Sir, I am not yet in a position to give exact dates as to when the Battle Schools will move from Caernarvonshire. But I shall release as much land as I can in that area as soon as possible.